Could TAM Online work for us?

[Heather Reetz]

We currently use several terminal servers that most log into, and about a dozen workstations.  We are on Office 2003.  We use FaxPress (not fax @vantage).  We use eTFile for both TAM and another database program that is accessed from a Terminal Server.

We are on a very old version of TAM and I am not involved in upgrading anymore.  The person currently in that position is attracted to the idea of TAM Online.

What should we watch out for?  Are there any situations in which this is a bad idea?

Opinions?  Ideas?

[Jim Jensen]

Take the time to compute the actual cost difference. Consider that TamOnline doesn't offer you the option of staying on a particular version for a while (I mention this since you've stayed on 7.x for so long). Learn about the workflows for attaching scanned items or the integration with eTFile. I don't know about the integration factor, but if you want to attach scanned items directly in TAM, you have to upload the files first to a holding area, then attach them (not saying it's a problem, but different and some don't like it). Email is handled differently, too. It sounds that you will still need an in-house server, so the savings purported by Applied for TamOnline will not apply nearly as much.

[Gene Foraker]

The advantages I can think of for you, off the top of my head:

1.  You will solve your problem of upgrading and keeping on a current version.
2.  Your backups will be rock solid dependable and disaster recovery is simplified.
3.  Your Microsoft Office will be upgraded as part of the charge.
4.  Your multiple TS servers will be not necessary.

Disadvantages:

1.  Total cost will be much higher than even having an outside consultant like Nick handle the same things for you.
2   If you ever decide to leave Applied, your data will not reside with you.   Applied likes this very much.
3.  TAM Online was not designed to use with your current fax and imaging programs.   This may cause complications if you wish to keep them.
4.  You don't have the option of sitting out an upgrade, though I think this is highly overrated for most users without special problems.

[Jeff Zylstra]

And to add to Gene's list - when the internet is down, TAM Online is down.   This makes having redundant internet connections a bit more important and adds more expense.  And you still have to have in house servers to host your SQL or other 3rd party database applications anyways, so what's one more server to run TAM?  As has been said here a lot lately, there's no application that's simpler to host on a server than TAM.

A word of caution...  It sounds like someone over there is questioning whether or not they can or want to handle TAM on in house systems.  They should be careful what they ask for.  Some CEOs/CFOs get the idea that if they go with a hosted online solution they can cut out or cut back on IT support.  Tell your friend that he/she may be putting themselves out of a job!

[Lance Bateman]

Another one - print uses "screwdrivers" (don't ask, maybe the programmers were at the local bar?), and sometimes they stop working and have to be reinstalled.

As others have said, since you have other 3rd party programs you may want to keep, will still need local server(s) and support.

Current versions of TAM are much easier to install - haven't had major database redos within 10.x.  Not sure about if/when 11.x comes out.

[GeorgeW]

We use screwdrivers for all our citrix/terminal servers and also our sister company that uses TAMOnline. 99% of the time just logging off and back on will restore the printers. Rarely do we have to reinstall screwdrivers.   

Since I am in a position that supports users with our inhouse TAM and TAMOnline, I can tell you I personally dislike TAMOnline...you can't even right click in Windows Explorer, which drives me crazy!! Then the problem of not having access to your local drives, so you have to upload (or email) things to TAMOnline so that you can attach them. The scanning process is slower. As others have said, TAM is updated to the newest version whenever Applied decides, you have no choice. TAMOnline cost almosts as much per year as our inhouse TAM and we have almost 4 times as many user licenses inhouse. Just a few things that popped into my head.   Oh, on the plus side for the users, I don't believe anything is blocked on the internet. Our users that have to use both systems found that out quickly and so just do all their internet browsing in TAMOnline.

[Heather Reetz]

Here's another question, related and not...

Upgrading TAM, but keeping it local:

In what version does the Word Viewer upgrade?  What does it upgrade to?

Also, I'm hearing that eTFile will no longer work after a certain TAM version.  Is that true?  Will we have to abandon eTFile if we want to get current on TAM?  If so, will we be able to import our attached images?  What about our other database?

[Mark Rowe]

Also, I'm hearing that eTFile will no longer work after a certain TAM version.  Is that true?  Will we have to abandon eTFile if we want to get current on TAM?  If so, will we be able to import our attached images?  What about our other database?

Where did you hear that about etfile?  That would be news to me. We're on 10.4 and still using it.

[Heather Reetz]

Mark, that is great to hear!    

I heard it from someone who heard it from someone so... I was hoping that was a load of hooey.


(Oh, and if you're on 10.4, you need to update your sig.)

[Mark Rowe]

Mark, that is great to hear!    

I heard it from someone who heard it from someone so... I was hoping that was a load of hooey.


(Oh, and if you're on 10.4, you need to update your sig.)

Guess I lied. I'm on 10.3

[Bob]

Load 10.7!

[Heather Reetz]

Load 10.7!

Who?  Why?

[Bob]

Pretty stable and supports Windows 7.

[Heather Reetz]

What version is Word Viewer? 

[Bob]

Not sure but either 2003 or 2007 viewer.  It will install when you run asupdate on the workstations.